Tour of Britain starts in Rochdale

The Tour of Britain: Stage 1: Rochdale

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Hundreds of people gathered in Rochdale town centre this morning (Saturday 11 September 2010) for the start of the Tour of Britain.

At 10.45am the 17 teams, each with six riders, set off from outside the Town Hall for the first stage of the tour.

Despite the downpour hundreds lined the Esplanade to see the prestigious cycle race begin. Spectators waved flags made by St Edward’s Primary School pupil Lucy Grogan and cheered the cyclists as they set off.

From the town centre the cyclists headed up Drake Street, turned right onto Manchester Road along St Mary’s gate, turned left onto Spotland Road and up Edenfield Road.

The riders geared up for the true start of the race at the junction of Ings Lane and Edenfield Road where the strongest cyclists broke free to start their challenge for the winners Yellow Jersey.

The first stage of the race will finish in Blackpool this afternoon.

Amongst the spectators was the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, he said: “This is fantastic news for Rochdale, from my memory this is the first time the Tour of Britain has started here. It is nice to see that so many people from across the country have come here to support the day.

“It is a pity the weather isn’t brilliant but there are quite a few people here and my thanks go to the organisers and the participants – this is superb for Rochdale and it is putting Rochdale on the map.”

Mayor Ali was also joined by the Mayor of Rossendale Trevor Unsworth, and Mayoress Anne Unsworth and the Mayor of Bury, John Byrne.

Mr Unsworth said: “This is a brilliant event and I am very pleased to have been invited, it all seems very well organised.”

Mr Byrne said: “This is a coup for Rochdale and for Greater Manchester, we all know the North West is the sporting capital of Britain so this really does emphasise our links with sport.
“I am here to support our neighbours, we all like to stick together and I am delighted to be here supporting Rochdale.”
The Executive Director of Rochdale Borough Council, Andy Zuntz described the start of the race as “a fantastic day for Rochdale.”

He said: “This proves beyond doubt what a wonderful venue our Town Hall and the surrounding area is for this kind of event.

“I can tell already it has been a great success and I am looking forward to many more similar events.”

Prior to the start time, Councillor Wera Hobhouse, a keen supporter of cycling said: “It is brilliant that the Tour of Britain has come to Rochdale. I am keen to promote cycling in the borough. Events such as these bring many people in to the town centre which is supporting business revenue.”

Speaking to Rochdale Online about the Tour, the Chief Executive of the Tour of Britain, Hugh Roberts said: “When we decided we wanted to finish at Blackpool we had to find somewhere to start, Rochdale was ideally suited in terms of the distance to Blackpool and when the people from the Council offered Rochdale as a candidate we were more than happy to oblige.

“We are here to promote cycling, we don’t assume everyone will want to race but perhaps it will encourage children to cycle to school or cycle with the friends and parents at the weekend.”

Mr Roberts added: “Rochdale has some beautiful scenery, and the perception from the outside world is that it is very industrial and has gloomy buildings but we know that couldn’t be further from the truth, just five minutes from here you can be glorious countryside.”

Honda is the official car sponsor for the Tour of Britain, and organisers were keen to involve local dealerships with the event, Kevin Goodwin from Rochdale Honda said: “This has got to be good for the town – it is nice to be on board.”

Spectators Kathy and Michael Donbavand used to live in France and were keen to see how the race would compare with the Tour de France.

Mrs Donbavand said: “It is very exciting for Rochdale because it isn’t just a stage, it is the start. I don’t know how they managed to get it here. Any good publicity for Rochdale is great.”

Mr Donbavand said: “There seems to have been lots of things on recently which is very good for Rochdale.

“When we lived in France the Tour de France passed through where we lived so we would often see it, it will be nice to see how the Tour of Britain compares with it.”

Amongst the crowd was Cabinet Member for Skills and Economic Recovery, Councillor Keith Swift, he said: “It is fantastic to see the town centre so busy and so many people enjoying it. It is fantastic that Rochdale was chosen to start this prestigious national event.”

A born and bred Rochdale cyclist was also in the crowd. 72-year-old Ray Whitworth has followed the Tour of Britain for many years and was happy to see the start in Rochdale, he said: “When I found out it was starting here I thought that is absolutely fantastic. My congratulations go to the organisers – it is superb!”

The Tour of Britain is the biggest professional cycle event held in the UK. The Tour is split into eight stages and finishes next Saturday (18 September 2010) in London.